"Appleton, Victor - Tom Swift Sr 020 - Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders" - читать интересную книгу автора (Appleton Victor)

wrong tangent.

``So I have been working out a sort of modified gyroscope, and it
seems to answer the purpose. I have already received advance orders for a
number of my devices from abroad, and as they are destined to save lives I
feel that I ought to keep on with my work.

``I'd like to go, don't misunderstand me, but I can't go at this time.
It is out of the question. If you wait a year, or maybe six months -- -- ''

``No, it is impossible to wait, Tom,'' declared Professor Bumper.

``Is it so important then to hurry?'' asked Mr. Damon. ``You did not
mention that to me, Professor Bumper.''

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``No, I did not have time. There are so many ends to my concerns. But,
Tom Swift, you simply must go!''

``I can't, my dear professor, much as I should like to.''

``But, Tom, think of it!'' cried Mr. Damon, who was as much excited as
was the little baldheaded scientist. ``You never saw such an idol of gold
as this. What's its name?'' and he looked questioningly at the professor.

``Quitzel the idol is called,'' supplied Professor Bumper. ``And it is
supposed to be in a buried city named Kurzon, somewhere in the Sierra de
Merendon range of mountains, in the vicinity of the Copan valley. Copan is
a city, or maybe we'll find it only a town when we get there, and it is not
far from the borders of Guatemala.

``Tom, if I could show you the translations I have made of the ancient
documents, referring to this idol and the wonderful city over which it kept
guard, I'm sure you'd come with us.''

``Please don't tempt me,'' Tom said with a laugh. ``I'm only too
anxious to go, and if it wasn't for the stabilizer I'd be with you in a
minute. But -- -- Well, you'll have to get along without me. Maybe I can
join you later.''

``What's this about the idol keeping guard

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over the ancient city?'' asked Ned, for he was interested in strange
stories.